to talk about the fiscal cliff. >> i'm arguing for maintaining tax cuts for 98% of americans. i don't think anybody would consider that some liberal left wing agenda. that used to be considered a republican mainstream agenda. >> joining me senator olympia sn snowe of maine. let me start with that. it does seem sort of counter intuitive to have republicans wanting to fight for tax hikes for no one and in that fight, being willing to allow tax hikes for everyone? >> you know, i would agree with that. obviously it is important to make sure that middle income america does not confront a tax increase at the beginning of next year, which is less than two days away. that is critical. the second part is, of course, is trying to address the spending cuts that are going to be crucial next year as well. more for the long-term debt reduction that i think republicans are talking about, but the bottom line is, we should pass this tax extension for middle income america before we adjourn this year. >> and what is -- what do you -- where do you think this will land? as we understand it now, t